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School of Biological Sciences

Phi Sigma

Phi Sigma is a national society that was founded in March 1915 at Ohio State University to promote academic achievement and research in the biological sciences. There are currently 32 active chapters with approximately 50,000 members. Phi Sigma is the only nationally recognized honor society for both undergraduates and graduates in Biological Sciences. On the campus of Illinois State University the Phi Sigma Biological Science Honors Society is represented by the Beta Lambda Chapter (a registered student organization) which was founded in 1966. Phi Sigma is devoted to the promotion of scholarship and research in the Biological Sciences. To this end the Beta Lambda Chapter of Phi Sigma works closely with the School of Biological Science and is a sponsor of the weekly school seminar series, and the annual research symposium. The Beta Lambda Chapter of Phi Sigma also holds an annual grant competition to provide research funds to both graduate and undergraduate students.

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Joining Phi Sigma

Our membership drive occurs in the fall and spring terms. Interested in Joining Phi Sigma?

For more information contact the current vice president Ravi Timsina or check out the national website for Phi Sigma

Eligibility

  • Graduate students must have completed at least 1 semester at ISU with a minimum GPA of 3.0.  If you are currently in your first semester at ISU, you are not eligible to join until the following semester.
  • Undergraduate students majoring in biology, biochemistry and molecular biology, or clinical laboratory science who have at least junior status (60 or more credit hours) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 are eligible for membership.

Officers

President: Tanisha Bhimwal

Vice President: Ravi Timsina

Treasurer: Sydney Romps

Business Manager: Julius Narh

Secretary: Mackenzie Seymour

Membership Chair: Madison Wilken

Social Chair:  Lydia Thomas

Funding Opportunities

Phi Sigma Beta Lambda Chapter promotes the engagement of undergraduate and graduate students in biology research and academic pursuits. To achieve these goals, we sponsor an annual research symposium in the spring, provide $10,000 in funding for student research in the biological sciences, and fund seminars from speakers in the biological sciences.

Mockford-Thompson & Weigel

The 2025-2026 funding cycle for the Mockford-Thompson Fellowships and Weigel grants is closed. Application materials are available on Phi Sigma ReggieNet page and submission deadline will be announced in Spring 2026. We encourage all eligible students apply for these funding opportunities! For more information, contact the current Phi Sigma President, Tanisha Bhimwal

External Grants

In addition to supporting students at ISU, we also strive to support K-12 and community-based efforts to engage students in authentic experiences related to the biological sciences. The grant application is intended to support such efforts in McLean County.

Travel Grants

Travel Grants are currently unavailable. More information will be coming soon.

Phi Sigma Events

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